| Authors |
Blackwell, David D.; Moerchen, Fabian; Cutright, Bruce L.; Gosnold, Will; Kay, Martin; Nagihara, Seiichi; Robinson, Curt; Tester, Jefferson |
| Abstract |
The National Geothermal Data System (NGDS) is a Department of Energy funded effort to create a single cataloged source for a variety of geothermal information through a distributed network of databases made available via web services. The NGDS will help identify regions suitable for potential development and further scientific data collection and analysis of geothermal resources as a source for clean, renewable energy. A key NGDS repository or ‘node’ to be located at Southern Methodist University is being developed by a consortium made up of: the SMU Geothermal Laboratory, Siemens Corporate Research, Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, Cornell Energy Institute, Geothermal Resources Council, MLKay Technologies, Texas Tech University, and University of North Dakota. The focus of resources and research will encompass the entire US with particular emphasis on the Gulf Coast (on and off shore), the Northern Great Plains, and the Eastern United States, describing the geological, geophysical, and geochemical characteristics of the resources. Types of data include but are not limited to: temperature, heat flow, thermal conductivity, porosity, permeability, structure, core logs, well tests, estimated reservoir volume, in situ stress, fluid chemistry, oil and gas well information, and conventional and enhanced geothermal systems. Data will be placed in the context of regional geology, seismicity, and tectonic setting and will include a data quality evaluation. Where possible, improvements in data reliability and value will be added. Libraries of publications and reports from each group are being combined into a unified, accessible, catalog. Field notes and backup data related to individual wells will be included. Additional research based on legacy data will increase our understanding of the local and regional geology in Texas, the Eastern and Central United States. The software to enable the integration, analysis, and dissemination of this team’s contributions to the NGDS is being developed by Siemens Corporate Research. |